The onerous issue of annexation came before the Monte Sereno City Council on Tuesday night, with a roomful of residents voicing opinions on whether or not the Hacienda Inn property should be brought into the city’s fold.

The audience was evenly split on the issue.

Hacienda owner Russ Stanley wants his 4.5-acre property annexed so he can build 40, 2-story homes, nine of which would be built as triplexes. A small park and trails are also included in the plans.

The state says the city of single family homes must re-zone property for a variety of housing types, including multi-family. So, Stanley feels his proposal would help Monte Sereno meet that mandate.

The city is considering annexing a total of 11 acres that would include the Hacienda and some nearby properties.

“That doesn’t mean everyone will be annexed. You don’t have to re-zone the entire area,” former Councilman Curtis Wright said. Wright is working with Stanley and has been going door-to-door to drum up support for the Hacienda plan.

Several residents expressed concern about increased traffic on Highway 9. “You can imagine the number of extra cars,” Chuck Kappen said. Kappen lives in an unincorporated county pocket of Monte Sereno and does not want to be annexed into the city.

The city has until December 2012 to re-zone land. Between now and then, council members pledged to keep residents better informed about upcoming community meetings.